Baby Brown: Week 32 and 33

How far along: 33 weeks

Due date: March 27, 2016, but everyone has bets going that I'm not making it that far.

Baby Size: according to the app, Harrison is the size of a cauliflower blossom.  Feels like the size of a basketball though.  17-19 inches long and between 4-6 pounds.  Obviously at this point, all babies are different.  I'd be very curious to see a growth ultrasound since he was measuring big at 24 weeks. 

Weight gain: Feeling pretty large and in charge, but trying to embrace the bump and not bump into people or things.  

Maternity Clothes: is this serious anymore? Some of these clothes are starting to not even fit comfortably.

Stretch Marks: none that I can see, but I can't see much.

Sleep: surprisingly, other than waking up 4-5x per night to give my bladder a 30 second break from the pressure Harrison is putting on it, sleep has been decent.  Getting up in the morning is still hard (physically), but I've managed to figure out what is most comfortable.

Gender: BOY!!! 

Name:  Harrison Cole Brown !

Movement: A totally different movement than it was even just a month ago.  The space he is occupying can't get much bigger, so his movements have become more drastic and sharp than the cute little kicks when they first started happening.  I still love it every time he moves and I know I am going to miss that feeling when he makes his arrival. 

Best moment this week: all the hand-me-down clothes that my sister-in-law gave us this past weekend.  It's taking me some time to sort and go through them, but in the end it will so be worth it! 

Looking forward to: my work baby shower tomorrow and getting some relaxation in over the weekend.  And of course putting in some more work on the nursery! 

Husband is: amazing.  Since I've been having these vagal episodes, he has been driving me to work every day, helping me in and out of the bed so I don't get light headed, and keeps a close eye on me so I don't have any symptoms! 

Cravings: still loving the smell of cleaning - maybe a sign of nesting?! Not quite sure, but can't get enough of a fresh smelling house.  Time to invest in some "fresh laundry" candle scents! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope.

Labor Signs: nothing yet, but maybe experiencing some Braxton Hicks, who knows.  

Missing Most: being able to go at a pace that I am used to - which is fast. 

Symptoms: Well, over the past two weeks, I have been experiencing vagal episodes.  After a trip to the ER, OB and Cardiologist, I finally feel like I know when the symptoms are coming on and know how to handle them. Light headdedness, hard to breathe, high and low BP - all symptoms of 3rd trimester vagal episodes.  But other than that, I've been doing good. Just a little wobble here and there, uncomfortable bras, and a giant belly pulling at every inch of my skin, but you know, I'm fine :) 

Nursery: to do: shelves in closet/organize closet - find drawer organizers that fit into the shallow dresser drawers I have - install video monitor - fill picture frames with maternity photos - sort through baby clothes - install curtain rod ......etc. etc. etc.  We still have some things to do in his nursery, but if he was to come right now, we would be just fine!

Belly Button in or out? honestly, it depends on the day - sometimes its an innnie all the way, other times its a floutie, and other times its an outie! 

Wedding rings on or off? on and still going strong! 

Mood: cannot wait to meet little baby Harrison!!!

Workouts: my workouts consist of constantly working, coaching cheerleading and walking around the house. 

Life Lately - Pregnancy, Work and Countdowns

Wow, what a couple weeks it has been.  I'm sorry for the lack of updating and all the baby posts, but honestly thats all my life consists of these days.  Pregnancy and working.  And nesting, of course. Since the last time I blogged, we have been super busy.  Here's whats been going on...

Basketball and Cheering:
Between my varsity cheering team and D.J.'s JV basketball team, we have been to 10 basketball games.  Our school's varsity boys' team is killing it right now. They have taken down the #1 ranked team twice and had big wins against two highly seeded conference teams.  The basketball season runs through the end of the February and this is a big week for the cheerleaders.  We have been working all season for the competition this weekend and I am so excited for the team to take the mat.  We have had a few set backs with the rescheduled date due to the snow.  Our only senior, James, had to remove himself from the competition due to other commitments this weekend and one of our other girls sprained her elbow.  So we have been teaching a JV cheerleader the entire routine to take the sprained elbow spot and a sophomore boy who is the most amazing kid ever how to cheer.  It is very hard to teach a baseball/basketball player how to cheer.  It's more than just muscle, but he is doing GREAT! I will update you all next week with how the competition goes!

Pregnancy:
Baby boy is still growing and making me extremely large and in charge.  Since the last post I had my 31 week check up and heartbeat was a strong 145.  Belly is measuring right on track and I loved the doctor I saw.  She was very thorough and I felt very comfortable asking her questions.  Which was good, because I had lots of things to talk to her about.  Over the last two weeks I have been experiencing some symptoms of pregnancy I wasn't expecting.  Hard to catch my breath, light headedness, fast heart rate, abnormally high and low BP - almost like a blackout or fainting spell.  So after talking to my OB about it, who wasn't too concerned - she said all that is very common in your last trimester - I had the symptoms more frequently and enough to concern the OB when I called again.  Per their instructions, the next time it happened I was to report to the ER and they were going to set me up with a cardiologist just to check on my heart.  I spent all of the day Wednesday in the ER doing what seems like every test possible.  Blood work, EKG, CAT scan, and constant monitoring of my BP and heart rate - I had the workup.  This was only my second time ever going to the ER, so I was a little overwhelmed with all the "necessary" tests they needed to run.  I guess it's better to be safe than sorry.  Thankfully, everything came back good.  Blood work showed a little dehydration and anemic, but they were not too concerned since all pregnant people show signs of both.  After three hours at the ER, we headed out to our scheduled cardiologist appointment, where we saw an amazing doctor.  He was very confident without being arrogant and very thorough without being long-winded.  He explained everything to us in simple terms and was confident that what I am experience is called a vagal episode. They come on fast with all the symptoms I presented to him and he gave me some great tools to use to avoid and prevent them.  However, they will still continue to happen.  I just have to learn that when the symptoms start to happen, I need to take them seriously and get horizontal ASAP.   He also strongly advised no driving, so the hubs and mom have both been amazing at making sure I get everywhere I need to be.  What I've learned from this is that I need to take my time more.  Go slower.  Pace myself.  I can still do everything I want to do, I just need to go at a speed that is more capable for my body to keep up with! Other than that, nesting has been in full force.  Just trying to get the nursery together, clothes organized and all the hospital bags packed in case of an early delivery!

We also took maternity photos last weekend and have seen a few previews, but cannot WAIT to get the entire file back! Chelsea, our photographer was amazing.  She really knows how to capture a beautiful photo behind the lens!

Work:
Due to the crazy pregnancy stuff going on, last week at work was a little off.  Monday I went in late and Wednesday and Thursday I was off trying to get myself together.  I've just been trying to get everything for maternity leave in order.  At this point, who knows when I'll be out, but I know my team is amazing and I am confident leaving everything in their hands :)

Baseball:
With less than a month until D.J. leaves for Spring Training, we are embracing all the time we can together.  We have a packed next four weeks - basketball games, concerts, baby classes, and celebrating birthdays with family members.  This past weekend we took our last trip to my in-laws just the two of us.  It's crazy to think that next time we will be there, Harrison will be with us.  Lots more bags and baby stuff in the car! I'm looking forward to seeing what this season has in store for D.J. and cannot wait to see him play in front of his sweet baby boy.

That's a wrap on a crazy busy last two weeks! Thanks for sticking around even though I've been slacking!

Baby Brown: Week 31

A day late, but still managed to get this done this week!

How far along: 31w4d and feeling every bit of it.  

Due date: March 27, 2016

Baby Size: at my 31 week check up yesterday, the doctor said baby is measuring right on track based on my belly size.  The app says romaine lettuce and could be 17 inches long and 3.5 pounds!

Weight gain: I am not one to complain about the weight gain because I know it's all for a much bigger reason.  My small 5'2 body is housing another human in there! That is potentially 17 inches long! My weight gain is continuing to increase, but I know and have confidence that the pounds will come off if I work hard for it after! 

Maternity Clothes: yep and trying to mix and match different outfits from the clothes that actually do fit me is getting more challenging.  I need some longer tunics so I can wear leggings!

Stretch Marks: nope!

Sleep: sleep isn't that bad lately.  I've been able to fall asleep and stay asleep easier, but still waking up 3x to use the bathroom.  

Gender: BOY!!! 

Name:  Harrison Cole Brown !

Movement: feeling him move is the best thing ever.  His movements are getting more abrupt and drastic.  Doctor said seems like head is down and was on the left side during the appointment, but I still feel him more on the right side. 

Best moment this week: hearing the heartbeat going strong at 150! 

Looking forward to: slowing down.  I've been extremely busy with cheerleading the past couple weeks and will continue to be until February 13th.  Hoping my body can continue to keep up until then! Oh and also our maternity photos this weekend!! 

Husband is: on his own countdown until he leaves for Spring Training.  T-6 weeks until he leaves :(

Food cravings: nothing new in this category

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope.

Labor Signs: nothing yet, but the countdown is ON!

Missing Most: being able to breathe easily. 

Symptoms: extreme shortness of breath, dizziness, and a big ole belly!

Nursery: on the lookout for curtains.  Other than that, the room is coming along nicely! We got the bookshelves in the other day and just need to hang them on the wall with the mirror!

Belly Button in or out? flouty (flat/outie)

Wedding rings on or off? on and still going strong! 

Mood: feeling good, but sometimes the thought that after Harrison gets here it will never just be the two of us again.  Trying to embrace the last few weeks with the boo home. 

Workouts: nope. 

Baby Brown: Week 30

How far along: 30 weeks - how are we in the 10 week countdown?! 

Due date: March 27, 2016

Baby Size: my all time favorite fruit - cantaloupe! 

Weight gain: I will give you all a legit update on this next week since I go to the doctor next week. 

Maternity Clothes: loving all things stretchy.  Eventually this big booty judy isn't even going to fit in her maternity work pants! 

Stretch Marks: nope!

Sleep: waking up 3x a night, but the sleep itself hasn't been terrible this week.  His movements have become less noticeable as I fall asleep (partially because he is running out of space to move in there).  But don't get me wrong, he is still fully making his presence known! 

Gender: BOY!!! 

Name:  Harrison Cole Brown !

Movement: he has favored the right side of my body more recently and I can't help but wonder what body parts are moving around in there.  Movements are less sudden kicks and more constant rolls. I experienced what it means when they are "under your ribs" for the first time this week.  Talk about something I've never felt before! 

Best moment this week: definitely the shower for our sweet boy.  We were gifted so many amazing things that I know will come in handy very soon! 

Looking forward to: all the upcoming things for baby Brown - hospital tour, showers and my 34 week appointment!

Husband is: still surprised that my bump can keep growing.  We looked back at what my 20 week photo looked like and thought to ourselves "wow - I can't believe we thought you were big then!" With my constant potty break in the middle of the night, he has started to give me a boost up without me even realizing that he is waking up and it's so sweet.  Thankful he still have muscles even though mine are all gone in my stomach! 

Food cravings: still loving all things "clean" - maybe a sign of nesting?! Also I have been craving baths.  They just make me feel so relaxed. And this isn't new, but I have been chewing on ice like no other! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope.

Labor Signs: nothing yet, but the countdown is ON!

Missing Most: the energy I had prior to pregnancy and not having back pains. 

Symptoms: serious right back pains between the area my bra is and down. Also feeling some pressure/pain on my lower back and hips area.  

Nursery: table next to the chair is painted and the knobs are purchased.  Still have a few more purchases I need to do (standing lamp, curtains and rod and some decor) but loving how it's all coming together.  Slowly but surely!

Belly Button in or out? flouty (flat/outie)

Wedding rings on or off? on and still going strong! 

Mood: still feeling great.  I cannot believe our little man is going to be here in such a short amount of time.  It's crazy to me that in only a short 7 weeks D.J. will leave for Spring Training and I will be 37 weeks pregnant.  After he leaves the next time I will see him is when we are becoming parents.  These next few weeks I am embracing the family we have now before we grow and bring little dude into the world!

Workouts: Did a 35 minute prenatal yoga video on youtube yesterday.  It was very relaxing and made my body feel very good! 

Harrison's Baby Shower

This weekend we celebrated the upcoming birth of baby Harrison and we could not be more thankful for the love and support that we have from our family and friends! 

I started the morning off with a haircut and a simple curl from the same lady that has cut my hair since I was little girl.  I arrived at my parents house for the shower around 12:30 p.m. before the shower started at 1.  My sister, mom, cousin and college friend really out did themselves with the shower.  All the decorations were hand made and I love the way they turned out! I haven't decided yet what exactly I am going to use in his nursery, but this for sure gives me options! Here's some photos of the decorations! 

Diaper wreath on the front door.

Favors for the sweet friends and family members that came to shower baby Harrison!

Handmade onesies and garland.

The mantel in the living room with beautiful decorations for the nursery!

This cake was AMAZING! One of my mom-friends that I workout with has a secret talent of cake making and this was no exception.  Delicious!!

For food, the hostesses decided to go with Gourmet Gang, the company that D.J. works for in the off season.  The presentation was beautiful and food did not disappoint.

Two of the hostesses - my sister Julie, and "big" and college friend Kendall.

We played a few games throughout the day that were prefect for everyone of all ages at the shower.  There was an ongoing game of The Price is Right where you had to guess the total price of items in the basket.  My cousin Kori was the winner and only off by $1! All guests filled out a Bingo board and crossed them off as I opened presents and everyone had a "Hope and Dreams" paper to fill out before they left with their hopes and dreams for Harrison.  Reading through them after the shower was so sweet. Being able to have those for him as he grows older is going to be so much fun sharing with him! Then at the end of the shower, we measured my belly.  Final two came down to Nana and my friend Carleigh and Carleigh won by a sliver!

It was so good to see friends that I haven't seen in a while.  My whole sorority "family" other than one was able to make it to the shower.  They couldn't get enough of my big ole belly and loving on Harrison.

All the little cousins and neighbors were my helpers with gifts.  They brought them right to my feet and helped me open when I couldn't reach the floor!

 We got SO MANY amazing gifts and we could not be more thankful.  We got some classic gifts (Boppy, Pack and Play, Monitor and more) and then we had our friends from Alaska send Harrison some Alaska onesies that I know he will look so cute in!

Instead of cards, we asked that people bring books to help stock his nursery.  We now have so many great books to read him that I cannot wait to make a nighttime routine.

Surprisingly, the typical baby blanket didn't show up in gifts as much as I had heard they would.  The one baby blanket that was so perfect for us was this baby blue blanket from my aunt with a little boy playing baseball.  It's hard to tell in this photo, but it is really something special.

My mom found these books that she read to us as kids that she passed down to Harrison.

The shower was perfect and I could not be more thankful for the love that Harrison (and his parents!) have from all our family and friends.  We cannot wait for him to be here in less than (hopefully) ten weeks!

25 During 25: One Year Later

Whoa! That year went fast.  For my 25th birthday, I wanted to do 25 different things ranging all across the board.  With today being the last day to complete the project, I wanted to give you all one final update.  Some I completed right away and some never got done.  Here's to another great year and celebrating 26 in style! 

1. Run a 10k - DONE! 
2. Do a blog give-a-way
3. Write a guest post -
4. Shoot a gun 
5. Go on a spontaneous trip  
6. See sunsets in 10 different cities - I didn't document all of these, but I know this was accomplished! 
7. Do a girls weekend trip - this is potentially planned for July....we will see though when baby boy comes into our world!
8. Have a house party 
9. Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity 
10. Buy a camera and learn how to use it
11. Go to a new state - Added Nevada, Maryland and Connecticut to the list this year! 
12. Host a shower for someone  
13. Run a 5k in every month of the year, at least 5 of them being a race - 5/12....
14. Buy a new computer
15. Write 5 thank you letters to companies that I use their products
16. Cash in a whole milk jar of coins to savings 
17. Tip 100% of my bill - DONE! Zinburger in Charlottesville, VA
18. Become CPR certified
19. Learn how to drive stick shift
20. Go to an NFL game - I had the opportunity to go, but being 7 months pregnant in 40 degree weather at a football game didn't sound too fun. 
21. Do a 7-day smartphone detox - didn't officially complete this. 
22. Mail care packages to each of my siblings
23. Send my nana flowers out of the blue. 
24. Take professional photographs with D.J. and Stryker 
25. Save $20 for every one of these that I complete 

I hope to try and get the ones that aren't crossed off finished throughout my 26th year! I really had a blast keeping up with this and attempting to get all these things done.  I'm hoping that I will be able to set monthly goals for myself over the next year as a way to keep me motivated! 

Baby Brown: Week 29

How far along: 29 weeks

Due date: March 27, 2016

Baby Size: delicious pineapple

Weight gain: who cares... it's worth it.

Maternity Clothes: should I take this one off? I mean, I wear a non maternity shirt every now and then, but for the most part I am embracing the bump.

Stretch Marks: nope!

Sleep: hasn't gotten any better this week.  D.J. slept in the guest room one night this past week and was at his parents house another night, so I was able to stretch across the whole bed, but flipping from one side to the other is very hard and getting up in the morning is so exhausting - I literally lose my breath. And I swear this child of mine is active all day, but at night he seems to start his karate class - kicks, rolls, or whatever he is doing in there is INSANE at night time. 

Gender: BOY!!! 

Name: Our sweet baby Harrison!

Movement: all the time! I'm starting to wonder at what point these movements are going to be how they remain for the rest of the pregnancy.  I know I still have a good while to go, but I can't imagine getting bigger! 

Best moment this week: cleaning up the house and getting the holiday decorations put away. I also got a new "chair" at work.  The strength and conditioning coach at the school brought me over a ball to help relieve some of my lower back/hip pressure this kiddo is giving me already! Hopefully I will like the way it feels throughout the rest of this pregnancy! Any other tips/tricks for desk workers and pregnancy would be great! 

Looking forward to: our first baby shower this weekend! I cannot believe it's already that time to celebrate this little boy!  My sister, family members and friends are coming in from all over to shower our sweet boy and and can't be more excited! 

Husband is: looking forward to the baby getting here.  I think my pregnancy pains this week are more than he is used to (as are they for me too!).  He was able to go to the Redskins game this weekend without me, which I was grateful for because I don't know if I could have lasted the whole day with him at the game! 

Food cravings: not craving anything special.  Side note - I have been loving the smell of cleaning supplies.  Anything from those clorox wipes to a clean mopped floor! Don't worry I'm not going around sniffing these items, but when I come across that smell in passing it just smells so... CLEAN! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: nothing new.

Labor Signs: nothing yet, but the countdown is ON!

Missing Most: hot tubs, hot yoga, laying on my stomach, getting comfortable easily,

Symptoms: all typical third trimester symptoms.  Lately I have been feeling as though my muscles are being pulled in every direction possible - which they very well are! My hips/lower back feel like they are "preparing" for labor - lots of pressure from the extra weight and whatever else happens when you get ready to give birth! 

Nursery: Got even more accomplished this weekend on the nursery! Dresser is now complete with knobs, purchased a mirror and lamp and now just waiting on a few more things for it to be complete!

Belly Button in or out? innine/flat/outie.  It has a mind of its own.

Wedding rings on or off? on, and haven't noticed any swelling.

Mood: feeling great, but definitely starting to feel pregnant.  Sometimes I get sad at how big I am getting but remind myself that my body is amazingly growing another human who is bound to be a big boy. 

Workouts: meh. working are few and far between.  getting up on the hour and walking around the school every now and then.  Hoping to get to a pool in the near future to float and feel weightless - even if it does mean I have to workout!